Horizon Steel Frontiers MMO Revealed for PC and Mobile
In a significant expansion of one of modern gaming's most celebrated universes, Sony and Korean MMO powerhouse NCSoft have officially unveiled Horizon Steel Frontiers. This new title is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the stunning, post-apocalyptic world established by Guerrilla Games. The announcement confirms long-standing rumors of an online Horizon project, but comes with a surprising twist: the game is currently slated for release on PC and mobile devices, with no mention of a PlayStation 5 version at launch.
What is Horizon Steel Frontiers?
Horizon Steel Frontiers is a bold new entry in the Horizon franchise, shifting the focus from Aloy's single-player narrative to a shared online world where players can team up to survive and thrive. Developed by NCSoft, the studio renowned for blockbuster MMOs like Guild Wars and Blade & Soul, the project is being created in close collaboration with the original Horizon creators at Guerrilla Games to ensure it remains authentic to the series' beloved lore, art direction, and core concept of hunting sophisticated, animalistic machines.
The game is described as an action-MMORPG that takes heavy inspiration from the monster-hunting genre. Players will step into the boots of their own custom characters, banding together in hunting parties to track, battle, and dismantle colossal machines roaming the wilds. The materials salvaged from these mechanical behemoths will be crucial for crafting powerful new weapons, armor, and equipment, creating a deep and rewarding progression loop.
A New Frontier for the Horizon Universe
The move to an MMO format represents a major strategic step for the Horizon IP. While Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West captivated millions with their rich storytelling and character-driven plots, Steel Frontiers aims to build a persistent, living world where players can forge their own legends.
The initial setting is said to be the Deadlands, a region known for its harsh, unforgiving environment. This provides a perfect backdrop for a survival-oriented online experience. Based on early details, the gameplay will focus on cooperative action. Squads of players will need to coordinate their strategies, exploit machine weaknesses, and use a variety of traps and unique weaponry to take down their formidable prey.
This collaborative approach maintains the strategic element of combat from the mainline games but elevates it with the complexity and dynamism of real-time multiplayer teamwork. The involvement of Guerrilla Games suggests that the iconic machines and the distinct tribal aesthetics—from the inventive Oseram to the sun-worshipping Carja—will be faithfully represented, allowing players to immerse themselves in this unique world like never before.
PC and Mobile First: A Surprising Platform Strategy
Perhaps the most discussed aspect of the reveal is the game's initial platform lineup. Horizon Steel Frontiers will launch on PC via NCSoft's proprietary "Purple" gaming platform and on mobile devices. The conspicuous absence of the PlayStation 5, the native home of the Horizon series, has caught many by surprise.
This strategy appears to leverage NCSoft's immense experience and established audience in the PC and mobile MMO markets, particularly in Asia. By launching on these platforms first, Sony and NCSoft can introduce the Horizon universe to a massive new global player base that may not own a console. A cross-platform approach between PC and mobile also allows for a more accessible and persistent experience, where players can engage with the world whether at home or on the go.
While a future PlayStation 5 release has not been ruled out, the current focus is squarely on delivering a polished experience for PC and mobile players. This "for now" approach suggests that a console version could be considered later, potentially after the game has established a solid foundation and player community.
Gameplay: What to Expect From the Hunt
The core gameplay loop of Horizon Steel Frontiers will be immediately familiar to fans of monster-hunting games, but with a distinct Horizon flavor.
- Cooperative Hunts: Team up with other players to form parties. Success will depend on communication, role fulfillment, and tactical coordination.
- Massive Machine Battles: Face off against a roster of new and returning machines. Expect epic, multi-stage battles that require players to target specific components to disable weapons and expose weak points.
- Deep Crafting System: The heart of progression will be salvaging parts from defeated machines. These resources will be used to craft and upgrade a vast arsenal of armor sets, bows, tripcasters, and other iconic weaponry.
- Character Customization: Players will create their own unique hunter, likely choosing from different tribes and customizing their appearance and combat skills to fit their preferred playstyle.
- A Persistent World: Explore a large, seamless online world filled with dynamic events, hidden secrets, and constant threats. The world of Steel Frontiers will evolve over time with new content, machines, and storylines.
This new venture promises to combine the breathtaking world-building of Guerrilla Games with the proven online expertise of NCSoft, creating a compelling and endlessly replayable experience for fans new and old.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is Horizon Steel Frontiers?
Horizon Steel Frontiers is a new massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) set in the Horizon universe. Players will team up to hunt large mechanical beasts and craft gear from their parts.
Who is developing Horizon Steel Frontiers?
The game is being developed by NCSoft, the studio behind Guild Wars, in close partnership with Guerrilla Games, the original creators of the Horizon series.
What platforms will Horizon Steel Frontiers be on?
At launch, the game is confirmed for PC (via the Purple platform) and mobile devices.
Is Horizon Steel Frontiers coming to PS5?
A PlayStation 5 version has not been announced for the initial launch. Officials have stated it is skipping the console "for now," leaving the possibility of a future release open.
Is there a release date for Horizon Steel Frontiers?
No specific release date or window has been announced yet.